Background
Lismore City Council, located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, manages a diverse operational footprint spanning approximately 1,300 km². The region includes urban environments, rural farmland, rainforests, and national parks, all of which present unique infrastructure demands.
Frequent flooding and extended rainfall events place sustained pressure on the Council’s water and sewer networks. Maintaining these systems requires consistent intervention through vacuum excavation, high-pressure water jetting, inspection, and repair work.
Challenge: Undersized Equipment and Growing Demand
Lismore City Council required a solution capable of supporting multiple critical functions across its network. These included:
- Jetting blocked sewer and stormwater mains to remove tree roots
- Removing grit and debris using both jetting and vacuuming
- Daily vacuum excavation of broken water mains and services
- Accurate underground utility location
Previously, the Council relied on medium rigid vehicles for these tasks. While functional, they were ultimately undersized. Limited storage capacity restricted the volume of extracted material, and the inability to remove spoil when tanks contained water created inefficiencies.
This resulted in an increased reliance on subcontractors, particularly during high-demand periods or emergency events. The Council identified the need for a larger, more capable unit to bring more work in-house and improve operational control.
Solution: Cappellotto CAP COMBI 2600 CL
Following a structured procurement process, Lismore City Council selected the Cappellotto CAP COMBI 2600 CL 6×4, a combination unit designed for both drain cleaning and hydro excavation.
Key features of the Cappellotto CAP COMBI 2600 CL include:
- Stainless steel tank and components for durability and corrosion resistance
- 6.25 metre extendable boom with 270 degree rotation for enhanced reach
- 4,300 litre water capacity to increase productivity and reduce refilling
- Adjustable water pressure and flow for both sewer cleaning and hydro excavation
The timeline for selecting and procuring new equipment was approximately nine to ten months and required detailed specifications, supplier demonstrations, and equipment trials. Compliance with National Heavy Vehicle Regulator requirements and environmental legislation was also essential, alongside mandatory operator training and licensing.
KOR supported this approach through a consultative model, aligning equipment capability with operational requirements and training outcomes. Learn more about our nationally accredited training programs (developed by ‘Trainright’).
Outcome: Capability, Efficiency and Control
Following a detailed technical and commercial evaluation process, Lismore City Council selected the Cappellotto CAP COMBI 2600 CL 6×4 as it is designed to deliver both 1” drain cleaning and 6” hydro excavation capability. This specification ensured the unit could meet the full scope of the council’s operational requirements across water and sewer infrastructure.
The unit’s design and configuration aligned closely with the council’s key performance criteria. Stainless steel tank and components provide long-term durability, with strong resistance to corrosion in demanding environments. The 6.25m extendable boom, mounted at the rear with 270 degree rotation, delivers significant reach and flexibility on-site, enabling access across a wide range of operating conditions.
A 4,300 litre water tank supports longer operational cycles, reducing the need for frequent refilling and improving productivity per job. This is particularly valuable during continuous jetting and excavation tasks where efficiency directly impacts service delivery. Additionally, the system’s adjustable water pressure and flow rate allow operators to transition between sewer and drain cleaning applications and dedicated hydro excavation work without compromising performance.
Since deployment, the CAP COMBI 2600 CL has become a core operational asset for Lismore City Council. The unit is primarily used for jetting blocked sewer mains and stormwater drains, removing tree roots, and clearing grit and debris through combined jetting and vacuuming. It is also used frequently for vacuum excavation of broken water mains and services, as well as for locating underground utilities.
The outcomes extend beyond capability alone.
- Reduced reliance on subcontractors, enabling more work to be completed in-house
- Elimination of ongoing subcontractor costs for routine operations
- Immediate availability of equipment during emergency events
- Improved forward planning and scheduling of maintenance activities
The CAP COMBI 2600 CL has proven to be cost-effective when compared to outsourced services, while also strengthening operational control and responsiveness. It continues to meet expectations across both planned maintenance and reactive work, supporting consistent service delivery in a challenging environment.
Learn More About KOR
We have supported municipal, civil, and industrial sectors across Australia and New Zealand since 2011. As the exclusive distributor of Cappellotto, we provide access to industry-leading combination units designed for performance, durability, and operational flexibility.
Beyond equipment supply, we offer nationally accredited operator training (developed by ‘Trainright’), nationwide servicing, spare parts and accessories, and flexible leasing options to ensure long-term performance and reliability.
Contact us to support your operations and learn more about our equipment ranges.
